Land quality is about the condition and capacity of land to function, and includes soil, water, vegetation and terrain [1] . Soil quality is the capacity (of soil) to function [2] , and includes sustained biological productivity, environmental quality, and plant and animal health[3] . From an agricultural perspective, soil quality can simply be seen as quantity of crops produced [4] .
The discussion about soil quality has been on for long [5] , but in the 90's it rose again due to concerns with soil degradation[6][7] . The early focus on soil quality was on fitness for use, meaning soil suitability and land capability[8] . In other words, does something grow in the soil, or not. Later on, environmental protection was added, including water and air pollution issues[9][10] .
Connection to food
Food production is highly reliant on soil[11] , and the quality of the soil have a direct or indirect affect on the nutritional quality of crops[12] and their taste[13] . As the food demand increases with the growing population - the pressure on better land and soil quality further increases[14] .
The need for a more sustainable agriculture and use of land is imperative[15] , and soil quality is said to be the key to sustainable agriculture[16] . Specifically in tropical agriculture, problems with dwindling soil fertility has occurred[17] . However, not only man-caused things, such as tillage, deforestation, poor fertilizer and water management[18] affects the soil quality, but also fires and erosion [19][20] .
In a study regarding Bangladesh, it was found that after land degradation, soil quality can be improved by planting well-adapting and fast-growing vegetative species[21] . According to another study, conservation agriculture can have a positive effect on the soil quality[22] .
Relation to Sustainable Development Goals
As land and soil quality is closely connected to food productivity, this concept is connected to the SDG number 2 "Zero Hunger", and specifically to the goal By 2030, end hunger.., By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and By 2030, ensure sustainable food production.
Further, a connection to the SDG number 15 "Life on land" can be observed, as restoring land and soil is one of the targets.
As maintaining and improving land and soil quality is much in the hands of those operating in the agricultural sector, a connection to the SDG number 12 "Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns" can be found, specifically to the target By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
Critique
Not directly as critique to land or soil quality, rather as an example of how plants can be grown without soil (though not land) - is hydroponics. The video below[23] shows the fundamentals of hydroponic, which is to add nutrients directly to the water in which the plants grow. This enables to farm for example underground, as in the video.
1) Using of cover cropping or green manure, which are plants improving soil fertility by cutting wind, preventing too much sun and stimulating a healthier soil system[25] . This is the most feasible option, and has been proved to work by the Dogon people of Mali in the Sahel, Africa[26] .
2) Microdosing fertilizer, meaning usage of small quantities of fertilizers, which is cheaper for the farmers in the developing countries[27] . By applying small amounts of fertilizers in the right place at the right time, some 25 000 smallholder farmers have experienced increased yields and thus increased incomes in West Africa[28]
3) Using wastewater for irrigation, which benefits the urban areas as they are struggling with finding out where to dispose wastewater, and benefits the farmers as wastewater is working as a fertilizer[29] . The problem, however, is that the water often contains biological and chemical substances that are harmful to human health[30] . Many projects has been initiated to tackle this problem, already with some results in Ghana[31] .
4) Reintegrating livestock, meaning the usage of the animal manure as fertilizers[32] . One example of such a project has been launched by the African Wildlife Foundation, where the goal is to educate the people of West Africa that pastoralism and agriculture can be compatible and beneficial for both[33] .
5) Preventing nitrogen leaching by using chemical fertilizers or nitrogen-fixing plants[34] . It has been proven that chemical inhibitors stimulate the nitrogen cycle, and keep the nitrogen in the soil longer - which may increase crop yields[35][36] .
Examples from Finland
The Finnish company Agropolis Oy offers an online farmland quality test for farmers, which helps them to determine the quality of their soil - and to identify factors which may affect the yield[37] . Through their webpage, farmers can get information about how to assess the quality by themselves - and if needed, how to get an expert to visit their farm and do more detailed tests of the soil[38] .
^ Pieri, C., Dumanski, J., Hamblin, A. & Young, A. (1995). Land quality indicators (Vol. 315). World Bank Publications.
^ Karlen, D. L., Mausbach, M. J., Doran, J. W., Cline, R. G., Harris, R. F., & Schuman, G. E. (1997). Soil quality: a concept, definition, and framework for evaluation (a guest editorial). Soil Science Society of America Journal, 61(1), 4-10.
^ Karlen, D. L., Mausbach, M. J., Doran, J. W., Cline, R. G., Harris, R. F., & Schuman, G. E. (1997). Soil quality: a concept, definition, and framework for evaluation (a guest editorial). Soil Science Society of America Journal, 61(1), 4-10.
^ Karlen, D. L., Mausbach, M. J., Doran, J. W., Cline, R. G., Harris, R. F., & Schuman, G. E. (1997). Soil quality: a concept, definition, and framework for evaluation (a guest editorial). Soil Science Society of America Journal, 61(1), 4-10.
^ Karlen, D. L., Mausbach, M. J., Doran, J. W., Cline, R. G., Harris, R. F., & Schuman, G. E. (1997). Soil quality: a concept, definition, and framework for evaluation (a guest editorial). Soil Science Society of America Journal, 61(1), 4-10.
^ Carter, M. R. (2002). Soil quality for sustainable land management. Agronomy journal, 94(1), 38-47.
^ Karlen, D. L., Mausbach, M. J., Doran, J. W., Cline, R. G., Harris, R. F., & Schuman, G. E. (1997). Soil quality: a concept, definition, and framework for evaluation (a guest editorial). Soil Science Society of America Journal, 61(1), 4-10.
^ Carter, M. R. (2002). Soil quality for sustainable land management. Agronomy journal, 94(1), 38-47.
^ Acton, D.F., and L.J. Gregorich. 1995. The health of our soils—towards sustainable agriculture in Canada. Centre for Land and Biological Resources Research., Research Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada,Ottawa, ON.
^ Karlen, D. L., Mausbach, M. J., Doran, J. W., Cline, R. G., Harris, R. F., & Schuman, G. E. (1997). Soil quality: a concept, definition, and framework for evaluation (a guest editorial). Soil Science Society of America Journal, 61(1), 4-10.
^ Papendick, R. I., & Parr, J. F. (1992). Soil quality—the key to a sustainable agriculture. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture, 7(1-2), 2-3.
^ Hornick, S.B. (1992). Factors affecting the nutritional quality of crops, American Journal of Alternative Agriculture, 7(1-2), pp. 63–68.
^ Karlen, D. L., Mausbach, M. J., Doran, J. W., Cline, R. G., Harris, R. F., & Schuman, G. E. (1997). Soil quality: a concept, definition, and framework for evaluation (a guest editorial). Soil Science Society of America Journal, 61(1), 4-10.
^ Bindraban, P. S., Stoorvogel, J. J., Jansen, D. M., Vlaming, J., & Groot, J. J. R. (2000). Land quality indicators for sustainable land management: proposed method for yield gap and soil nutrient balance. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 81(2), 103-112.
^ Bindraban, P. S., Stoorvogel, J. J., Jansen, D. M., Vlaming, J., & Groot, J. J. R. (2000). Land quality indicators for sustainable land management: proposed method for yield gap and soil nutrient balance. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 81(2), 103-112.
^ Warkentin, B.P. (1995). The changing concept of soil quality. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation. 50 (3), 226–228.
^ Bindraban, P. S., Stoorvogel, J. J., Jansen, D. M., Vlaming, J., & Groot, J. J. R. (2000). Land quality indicators for sustainable land management: proposed method for yield gap and soil nutrient balance. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 81(2), 103-112.
^ Tilman, D., Cassman, K. G., Matson, P. A., Naylor, R., & Polasky, S. (2002). Agricultural sustainability and intensive production practices. Nature, 418(6898), 671-677.
^ Islam, K. R., & Weil, R. R. (2000). Land use effects on soil quality in a tropical forest ecosystem of Bangladesh. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 79(1), 9-16
^ Papendick, R. I., & Parr, J. F. (1992). Soil quality—the key to a sustainable agriculture. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture, 7(1-2), 2-3.
^ Islam, K. R., & Weil, R. R. (2000). Land use effects on soil quality in a tropical forest ecosystem of Bangladesh. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 79(1), 9-16
Definition
Land quality is about the condition and capacity of land to function, and includes soil, water, vegetation and terrain [1] . Soil quality is the capacity (of soil) to function [2] , and includes sustained biological productivity, environmental quality, and plant and animal health[3] . From an agricultural perspective, soil quality can simply be seen as quantity of crops produced [4] .
The discussion about soil quality has been on for long [5] , but in the 90's it rose again due to concerns with soil degradation[6] [7] . The early focus on soil quality was on fitness for use, meaning soil suitability and land capability[8] . In other words, does something grow in the soil, or not. Later on, environmental protection was added, including water and air pollution issues[9] [10] .
Connection to food
Food production is highly reliant on soil[11] , and the quality of the soil have a direct or indirect affect on the nutritional quality of crops[12] and their taste[13] . As the food demand increases with the growing population - the pressure on better land and soil quality further increases[14] .
The need for a more sustainable agriculture and use of land is imperative[15] , and soil quality is said to be the key to sustainable agriculture[16] . Specifically in tropical agriculture, problems with dwindling soil fertility has occurred[17] . However, not only man-caused things, such as tillage, deforestation, poor fertilizer and water management[18] affects the soil quality, but also fires and erosion [19] [20] .
In a study regarding Bangladesh, it was found that after land degradation, soil quality can be improved by planting well-adapting and fast-growing vegetative species[21] . According to another study, conservation agriculture can have a positive effect on the soil quality[22] .
Relation to Sustainable Development Goals
As land and soil quality is closely connected to food productivity, this concept is connected to the SDG number 2 "Zero Hunger", and specifically to the goal By 2030, end hunger.., By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and By 2030, ensure sustainable food production.
Further, a connection to the SDG number 15 "Life on land" can be observed, as restoring land and soil is one of the targets.
As maintaining and improving land and soil quality is much in the hands of those operating in the agricultural sector, a connection to the SDG number 12 "Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns" can be found, specifically to the target By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
Critique
Not directly as critique to land or soil quality, rather as an example of how plants can be grown without soil (though not land) - is hydroponics. The video below[23] shows the fundamentals of hydroponic, which is to add nutrients directly to the water in which the plants grow. This enables to farm for example underground, as in the video.Organizational illustrations
Nourishing the Planet, a project by the Worldwatch Institute, offers five innovations boosting soil fertility[24] . These are:
1) Using of cover cropping or green manure, which are plants improving soil fertility by cutting wind, preventing too much sun and stimulating a healthier soil system[25] . This is the most feasible option, and has been proved to work by the Dogon people of Mali in the Sahel, Africa[26] .
2) Microdosing fertilizer, meaning usage of small quantities of fertilizers, which is cheaper for the farmers in the developing countries[27] . By applying small amounts of fertilizers in the right place at the right time, some 25 000 smallholder farmers have experienced increased yields and thus increased incomes in West Africa[28]
3) Using wastewater for irrigation, which benefits the urban areas as they are struggling with finding out where to dispose wastewater, and benefits the farmers as wastewater is working as a fertilizer[29] . The problem, however, is that the water often contains biological and chemical substances that are harmful to human health[30] . Many projects has been initiated to tackle this problem, already with some results in Ghana[31] .
4) Reintegrating livestock, meaning the usage of the animal manure as fertilizers[32] . One example of such a project has been launched by the African Wildlife Foundation, where the goal is to educate the people of West Africa that pastoralism and agriculture can be compatible and beneficial for both[33] .
5) Preventing nitrogen leaching by using chemical fertilizers or nitrogen-fixing plants[34] . It has been proven that chemical inhibitors stimulate the nitrogen cycle, and keep the nitrogen in the soil longer - which may increase crop yields[35] [36] .
Examples from Finland
The Finnish company Agropolis Oy offers an online farmland quality test for farmers, which helps them to determine the quality of their soil - and to identify factors which may affect the yield[37] . Through their webpage, farmers can get information about how to assess the quality by themselves - and if needed, how to get an expert to visit their farm and do more detailed tests of the soil[38] .
Open source
Acton, D.F., and L.J. Gregorich. 1995. The health of our soils—towards sustainable agriculture in Canada. Centre for Land and Biological Resources Research., Research Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada,Ottawa, ON.
Karlen, D. L., Mausbach, M. J., Doran, J. W., Cline, R. G., Harris, R. F., & Schuman, G. E. (1997). Soil quality: a concept, definition, and framework for evaluation (a guest editorial). Soil Science Society of America Journal, 61(1), 4-10.
Carter, M. R. (2002). Soil quality for sustainable land management. Agronomy journal, 94(1), 38-47.
External links
Nourishing the Planet
Soil Quality for Environmental Health
GRACE Communications Foundation. Soil quality
WWF Global. Testing soil quality
World Agroforestry Centre. Land Health Decisions
Quiz
Quiz created by Simon Vänttinen with GoConqr